When you ask us to remove a shipping container or portable cabin, photos do most of the work. They tell us what condition the unit is in, and whether you pay for disposal, removal is free or we can buy it. They also show us how to get a lorry to it.

A few minutes with a phone camera can save a lot of back and forth. The clearer the picture we have at the start, the more accurate our answer will be, and the less likely it is that something unexpected comes up on the day.

The unit itself

Each side of the container or cabin
The doors, and the doors open if they will open
The inside, including the floor
The roof, if you can photograph it safely from the ground or a window
Close-ups of any holes, rust or damage

Another view of a shipping container interior with a timber floor — A container interior

Take the photos in daylight if you can. For the inside, open the doors to let the light in, and photograph the floor from the doorway rather than walking on it if it looks soft or damaged.

The site

The route from the road to the unit
Gates and entrances, especially narrow or low ones
Where a lorry could stand
Anything overhead, such as cables, trees or roof edges

A photo taken from the road, looking towards the unit, is often the most useful of all. Add one taken looking up from beside the container or cabin so we can see what is above it.

The ground

A HIAB lorry and its stabiliser legs need firm, level ground. Show us the surface where the lorry would stand, and mention any recent wet weather, drains, manhole covers or slopes.

Close view of an old storage container with its doors open — An old container, doors open

Useful details to add

With the photos, tell us the postcode, the size if you know it, how many units there are, and whether anything will be left inside. Our quote form lets you attach up to four photos directly, so there is no need to send links.

Only your name, email, phone number and consent are required on the form, so do not worry if you cannot answer everything. We can ask follow-up questions once we have seen the photos.

For portable cabins

If you are photographing a portable cabin, site office or welfare unit, include any steps, ramps and handrails, and let us know whether power, water and drainage are still connected. These should be disconnected safely by a qualified person before collection. If units are stacked or linked, show us how.

Stay safe

Please do not climb onto a container or cabin to take a photo. A clear shot from the ground is enough. When you are ready, send us your photos or read more about portable cabin removal.

What to photograph before asking for a container removal quote